Your Majesty will suffer

Daliang ruled the country with benevolence and morality, and the emperors of all dynasties have abided by the precept of the Tai (restricted) ancestors to "govern with benevolence and kill less". I will not go unpunished!So the culprit simply threw the corpse into the lake to make a false mistake to pass the test, which is a good strategy.

From this point of view, the prince's crime of "killing in vain" seems to have been confirmed!I'm afraid that even the officials believed it half to eighty percent, they have asked people to question the servants of the Eastern Palace privately, and even asked the prince himself, but no one admits it, and they can't arbitrarily add crimes without evidence!However, since the incident happened, the officials inevitably became more suspicious of the prince.

Although the prince understands this truth, he suffers from not being able to clear himself up, coupled with the rumors in the palace, this annoyance, he shuts himself in the palace all day long, and even Zishantang says he is sick!But they didn't know that because of this, those who were interested secretly thought that the prince was punished and grounded, and the rumors became even worse for a while.

In fact, apart from the prince, there is another person who has been trapped by this matter recently, and that is Nan Gongji!

The crown prince is wronged, Nan Gongji knows it best!Therefore, he knew about the matter, but he couldn't stand up and claim the name of the crown prince at the moment, not because of timidity, but because of other difficulties: whether one-sided words can be believed or not, if the instructor thinks otherwise, it will be self-defeating!Therefore, it is really difficult to decide whether to advance or retreat.After hesitating for two days, I wanted to ask others for their opinions!This "other person" refers to Zhang Lingqi: he was by his side that day, so he can guess some of the inside story.

Unexpectedly, after Zhang Lingqi heard this, he tried his best to dissuade him, saying: "If other people encounter this matter, they should avoid it for fear of being too late. What's more, the matter is over and the palace will not pursue it any more. Why do you bother yourself?"

Nan Gongji said: "If it's not about the crown prince, I wouldn't ask. You should be clear, if you don't pursue the matter when you return to the official house, you must have doubts in your heart. The crown prince must not bear this innocent injustice!"

Making him think for a while, he said: "The prince himself is well aware of this matter, so why doesn't the prince just defend himself?" Mr. Lang thought.

Nan Gongji smiled wryly: "You and I both know the reason for this, do you need to say more? First, if the crown prince argues for himself, it is difficult to win the trust of others; second, if the second prince is implicated, it is even more inappropriate to say it! Brothers Discord is the worst thing in the official family, if the crown prince arrives at the second prince at this moment, not to mention that he will not be able to clear himself up, but he may be accused of being framed, wouldn't it make the official family even more disgusted?"

Ling Qi said: "Since this is the case, why don't you think about it, in the hearts of the officials, what kind of friendship do you have with the prince? What is the difference between you and the prince?"

Nangong Ji let out a long sigh: "That's the reason why I hesitated! I'm afraid that the officials will think that I was favored by the crown prince and slander the second prince, which will further tarnish the crown prince's name, but it's not worth it."

After saying that, both of them were silent.

After pondering for a while, Nan Gongji hesitated and said: "According to my opinion, you might as well let yourself into the palace and report this situation to everyone (1) Qin Maoxun, teach him to argue for the crown prince, and the officials may be able to listen to a thing or two."

Make him shake his head: "This plan is not feasible. One thing is that the palace has issued a decree that private discussions on this matter are not allowed. According to Qin Duzhi's prudence, even if he is willing to believe me, he will definitely not report it for me; moreover, this matter Regarding the two princes, Qin knows the benefits and risks, so how could he get involved lightly? Even if he takes a step back, this matter can be taught to the officials, but the source of the words must be traced back to the source. I wait on the head?"

Nan Gongji thought that his words were reasonable, so he frowned for a while and remained silent.He paced back and forth for a long time, but finally made up his mind, and said: "If I don't know about this matter, it's fine, it's just like this, if you don't tell the truth, and defend the crown prince, I'm afraid I won't have the face to see him again in the future! If so, I will take the liberty to make a confession for him!"

It's just that, when he really came to the imperial court, he hesitated and hesitated to speak, but the teacher thought he had committed another crime, so he said: "I always like you to be straightforward. No matter what mistakes you have committed today, I will not investigate them deeply. It’s okay to come straight!”

Nan Gongji hurriedly thanked him, and said: "I haven't committed any crimes yet, but if I speak out what is in my heart, I may have committed a crime. At that time, I hope your majesty will forgive my crimes according to my words!"

He stroked his beard but smiled: "Let's hear it!"

Nangong Ji bowed again after hearing the words, Fang said: "The minister came here today to express his feelings for the prince!" Seeing the doubts on the above, he hurriedly said: "Before when we accompanied the prince to visit Jinming Lake, we met a palace man who drowned. Regarding the death, there are rumors that the East Palace is involved, and the minister just knows some inside information, which can prove the crown prince's innocence, so I came to report it!"

Upon hearing this, the face changed slightly: "The internal secretary has already concluded this matter, so you don't need to say more!"

Unexpectedly, the person who sat down refused to give up, and still argued: "If the conclusion of the inner secretary can convince the public, how can there be rumors in the palace? I know that I am guilty of death, but I have a relationship with the prince. I really can't bear to see him deceived." Please His Majesty look into this innocent injustice!"

Seeing that he had made up his mind, and also really wanted to hear how he defended the prince, he pondered for a while and allowed him to speak.

Nan Gongji then reported what he knew in detail.After the officials heard about it, they were surprised but still hesitant.

According to what Nangongji said, that day when the lady of the Shangfu Bureau, Mrs. Xue brought the towels and clothes and waited to play at Qionghuaxuan, her face was panicked, and she seemed to be walking unsteadily, so the prince asked a question, but unexpectedly, Mrs. Xue knelt down The ground begged the prince for help, saying that he had accidentally bumped into the second prince on the way just now, the prince was furious and had already ordered him to punish him severely, only the attendants told her that she had something to send to Qionghuaxuan, so they taught her to send it first Go back and receive the punishment!At the moment the prince thought that the little palace man was too worried, but he couldn't stand her begging, so he asked his servants to accompany her to intercede.After Mrs. Xue left, the crown prince and Nan Gongji went fishing in Jinming Pond to kill a few hours. On the way back, they passed by the residence of the second prince, but they could faintly hear crying and begging for mercy, but it was getting late at that time. , and the crying lasted only for a moment, the two of them didn't pay much attention.Unexpectedly, on the second day, Xue's body was found in the Jinming Pool!

These words have been spoken, but anyone who is not stupid can guess the inner feelings.He hesitated for a moment.

Nan Gongji said: "If your majesty doubts what the minister said, you can call the prince's attendant when he visited the garden that day, or the palace servant who was ordered by the prince to intercede in the second emperor's womb to interrogate him!"

The officials stroked their beards and pondered.

Nan Gongji guessed what he was thinking, and said: "Your Majesty may think that these are one-sided words, and it is difficult to convince others! And the reason why I have hesitated so far and dare not tell the truth is also because of this, I am afraid that Your Majesty will think that I am deliberately sowing dissension. , or hurt the second prince at the prince's will! Although the minister has always been on good terms with the prince, he has no enmity with the second prince. Besides, according to the status of the minister, he should be cautious in his words and deeds, wise and safe, why would he cause trouble for no reason?! Besides, Your Majesty is too wise, if these words are fabricated out of thin air, how could they have escaped from the holy scriptures?" After speaking, he raised his eyes quietly, seeing that he still seemed to be hesitant, so he simply broke his heart and said: "If your Majesty still has doubts, you might as well pass it on. Come face the second prince face to face!"

After smelling it, the complexion is more dignified.After a while, he finally said: "That's not necessary, I will find out whether the second prince is related to this." Then he changed the subject and said: "Since the prince is trying to get wronged, why didn't he come to tell me the truth? "

Nangong Ji cupped his hands and said: "How does Your Majesty not know the Prince's difficulties?! He is kindhearted, if he tells this feeling, whether His Majesty believes it or not is the next thing, but to implicate the Second Prince, how to teach him how to be tolerant? I have always been good at talking about justice, the second prince may have made a mistake unintentionally, but the crown prince suffers this wrong, I can't stand by and watch! It is absolutely impossible for the minister to disregard justice for the sake of self-interest!"

When the officials heard this, they praised "Well said!", and said: "You uphold justice, I have already said that you are young and chivalrous, and now it seems that it is true!"

After the face-off that day, everything in the palace seemed to be the same as before, but within a few days, the second prince suddenly contracted an illness and was temporarily unable to leave the house, and he would not be able to attend Zishan hall to study with him for a while.

A few days later, the officials let everyone inside know that Qin Maoxun had sent a letter to the crown prince and Nangong Ji each: the crown prince is "benevolence", and what Nangong Ji got is "righteousness"!

Seeing that the two seemed to be confused, Qin Maoxun smiled and said: "The benefactor is benevolent, and the reason is righteous! You two are so smart, and the official's intentions, but with a little consideration, you will understand."

Nangong Ji thought for a while, and said: "The benevolent one loves others happily! This is the expectation of His Majesty!"

Yue Ling nodded and asked, "What about 'righteousness'?"

Nangong Ji smiled and said: "It means that I must treat Your Highness with 'righteousness'!"

Qin Maoxun praised: "Your Majesty is really smart! The officials have ordered that His Highness was slandered by rumors before, but now the facts have become clear. The officials know that His Highness endured humiliation to protect his brothers and feet that day. They should be comforted! And the son upholds justice and commits dangerous crimes. Remonstrance, I can take the word 'righteousness'!"

The two looked at each other with a smile when they heard the words, and they understood each other.

Teaching people to put away calligraphy and painting, Yue Ling sighed for no reason.

Nan Gongji could hear it clearly from nearby, and wondered: "Now that Your Highness's name has been rectified, why don't you agree?"

Yue Ling took two steps away, and said: "Why do I disagree?! Just going back and hurting a person's life, really speaking, it's not completely unrelated to me. At the beginning, this Xue Shi asked me to help, if... .”

Nan Gongji interrupted him: "How can you blame Your Highness for this matter? If you want to blame, you can only blame the second prince for her collision. Your Highness is kind and generous, and has already said love for him, but who would have expected the result to be like this!"

Yue Ling smiled wryly: "Actually, I have also wondered in the past few days, whether to teach someone to intercede for her, and actually hurt her?"

Nan Gongji was stunned, and didn't know how to answer for a while, so he could only comfort him: "The matter is over, it is useless to think about it, Your Highness, let it be."

Yue Ling shook his head and sighed: "People can't come back to life after death, so I have to. However, the second brother was punished for your outspoken admonition this time, and I'm afraid I will hate you in the future!"

Nangong Ji frowned, and had to admit that his words were true!However, the matter has come to this point, and he has no choice but to hate.

Note:

(1) Everyone knows: the highest-ranking eunuch in the palace.

The author has something to say:

A good gay friend should have both sides!